Mixed-Reality Laser Safety Eyewear with Mountable Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser safety glasses are inconvenient and limit vision, leading to low compliance among laser researchers, while existing mixed-reality systems for laser safety are expensive and lack versatility due to the need for additional components and integrated optics.
Innovation Solution
A mountable optical device with an optical filter configured to reduce laser beam saturation, integrated into a mixed-reality headset system that includes cameras and a computing device to safely visualize laser beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser safety glasses are used, then laser safety is provided, but vision is limited and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is segmented from the visual function. The optical filter is separated as a removable component that can be attached to existing eyewear or cameras, rather than requiring permanent integration into the lens structure. This allows users to maintain normal vision while adding safety functionality only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical filter serves as an intermediary component between the laser beam and the user's eye or camera sensor. This filter selectively blocks harmful laser wavelengths while allowing visible light to pass through, enabling both safety and vision convenience simultaneously.
2Reliability
If mixed-reality systems with integrated optics are used, then laser safety visualization is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is extracted as a separate, standalone component rather than being integrated into the camera or headset structure. This removable filter can be independently manufactured and attached to existing devices, eliminating the need for complex integrated optics and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed with universal applicability, serving multiple functions: protecting eyes from laser beams, enabling safe camera capture, and integrating with various existing eyewear and camera systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components and lowers system complexity.
3Reliability
If existing safety eyewear is used, then laser protection is provided, but versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter transitions from a static, permanent eyewear component to a dynamic, removable element that can be attached or detached as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the same filter to adapt to different applications, whether used with cameras, headsets, or traditional eyewear, significantly enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter's physical state changes from integrated to removable based on operational needs. Users can adjust the system configuration by attaching or removing the filter depending on whether laser protection is required, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple purposes and enhancing adaptability to different work scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and versatile visualization of laser beams, enhancing user compliance and reducing the need for expensive components, thereby improving laser safety and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
one or more inner optical elements comprising an optical filter configured to reduce saturation by one or more laser beams in view of the one or more optical elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for safe mixed-reality visualization of one or more lasers. The system comprises a headset component configured to fit over a user's eyes. The headset component may comprise a plurality of cameras configured to generate images of an environment. The headset component may further comprise a mountable optical device configured to be applied to one or more cameras. Each mountable optical device may comprise a mounting component and one or more inner optical elements operatively coupled to the mounting component. The one or more inner optical elements may comprise an optical filter configured to reduce saturation by the one or more laser beams in the image generated by the camera. The headset component may further comprise a display component communicatively coupled to a computing device, configured to display a combined image to the eyes of the user.